Essence

ESSENCE is the premiere lifestyle, fashion and beauty magazine for African-American women. With its motivating message, intimate girlfriend-to-girlfriend tone, compelling and engaging editorial lineup and vibrant and modern design, ESSENCE is the definitive voice of today’s dynamic African-American woman. ESSENCE speaks directly to a Black woman’s spirit, her heart and her unique concerns. Every month African-American women rely on ESSENCE for editorial content designed to help them move their lives forward personally, professionally, intellectually and spiritually. Sections such as Work & Wealth, Healthy Living, and Looks We Love cover topics that focus on career and finance, health and lifestyle, and fashion and beauty and share an intimate connection with readers.

Jill Scott has always been a force of nature, but the singer proved to be as fearless and unapologetic as ever while discussing her style, relationships, and career in ESSENCE’s September issue. Here are three things we learned from our fierce cover girl’s interview with Tomika Anderson:

1. She has a don’t-ask-don’t-tell policy when it comes to her new relationship… Scott was inspired by a friend who told her that she was too busy being happy to explain her impulsive move in with a boyfriend too soon. "My only job is to be happy," said the three-time Grammy Award winner. "So for everybody who cares about me and is not trying to be all up in a 'celebrity's business' just know that I'm happy.”

2. She’s all about DIY The size “12/14 downstairs; 16/18 up top” singer-actress revealed that she often buys two of the same clothing item to tailors into it her size. “Or I'll take something that's a bit too small and just make it into something else," said Scott. Her DIY methods have inspired her to start her own clothing line.

3. She’s making peace with her past… ADVERTISING The 42-year-old has made a point to bring closure to past conflicts in her life, including using Facebook to contact old boyfriends, friends, or people who owed her money. She isn’t past admitting when she’s to blame as well. “[I wasn’t always] an angel. If I hurt you, then I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and I hope you're happy,” she said